Exploring Sites in Italy

Five students spent part of their March break touring Italy with Westminster Latin teacher Maureen Gassert. While in Florence for a few days, they climbed Brunelleschi's Duomo and viewed the Doors of Paradise on the Baptistry; visited the Academia for a view of Giotto's frescoes and Michaelangelo's “David”; and toured a leather workshop. They also spent a day in Pisa, visiting the leaning tower and the cathedral.

On the way to Rome, they stopped at Assisi to tour the cathedral in the lower city and the small medieval town and large cathedral of St. Francis in the upper city. In Rome, they spent much of their time walking around the ancient sites. They visited the Vatican and the museums to see the “School of Athens” and the “Laocoon”; toured the Pantheon and tasted gelato at Dell Palma; viewed the Borghese Gallery with its Caravaggio paintings and Bernini statues; and walked from the Colosseum through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

“We saw so much and tasted such good food in just a short time,” said Miss Gassert. “Despite the rainy weather nearly every day, everyone enjoyed their experiences in Italy.”